There are many ways to prevent depression, including a healthy lifestyle and mindfulness. There is also a wide range of medical treatments available. These include medicines and psychosocial therapy. Studies show that preventive interventions reduce the number of new episodes of depression by up to 25%. While there are some risk factors outside of our control, such as genetics, lifestyle changes can reduce the chance of depression.
While many mental health conditions are linked to depression, many major life changes can trigger the onset of depression. For example, if you’ve recently lost a job or broken up with a loved one, you may be at risk for depression. Similarly, if you’ve recently been diagnosed with a disease or a chronic illness, or lost a close friend or family member, you may be at risk for depression. Understanding what might trigger the onset of depression can help you determine how to prevent it.
Depression prevention is an ongoing and important effort to prevent and treat the disorder before it becomes a major problem. Unfortunately, two-thirds of the younger population never receive treatment for depression. Because of this, we have a growing interest in prevention programs. One of the best places to begin such prevention is at the school level. Research shows that schools provide an environment that is safe for children to develop healthy habits, lowering their chances of becoming depressed.
Another way to prevent depression is to get regular medical checkups and therapy. If you start feeling depressed, make sure to see your doctor right away. Waiting too long to seek help can cause a depression relapse. In addition, it is important to follow any treatment plan. If you’re on medication, don’t cut down on sessions or therapy, and be sure to tell your doctor about the progress you’ve made. Also, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs as they can make depression worse.
If you’re dealing with a traumatic experience, it’s essential to talk to a counselor. A therapist will help you learn coping techniques and teach you how to cope with difficult situations. These strategies will help you manage your depression and improve your well-being overall. They may even prevent you from experiencing depression altogether.
Talking to friends and loved ones is also an important way to prevent depression. It’s important to have a network of support, especially from the people we love. The social support you receive can prevent future bouts of depression. You can also join groups to make new friends and socialize. You should also try new hobbies.
Another way to prevent depression is to get enough rest. Sleep affects your mood, and not getting enough sleep exacerbates symptoms. Insufficient sleep can cause irritability, moodiness, and fatigue. You should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Additionally, stress is a major contributor to depression and increases the risk of future depression. Try to keep your stress levels to a minimum so you can reduce the symptoms.
